Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience

A cosmic journey through Māori star stories

Step into a custom-built, fully indoor planetarium offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the universe, all year round. Your journey begins with narrations of Māori mythology and Tātai arorangi—the ancient astronomical knowledge. Expert guides tell you how early navigators used the kāpehu whetū—a mental “star compass” incorporating the positions of over 220 stars—to steer their ships across the vast Pacific. Learn how celestial wonders like Matariki (the Pleiades), associated with the deity Tāwhirimātea, not only signaled the Māori New Year but also set the ideal times for planting, harvesting, and gatherings.

Discover the cosmos from a unique cultural perspective

This interactive journey reveals traditional storytelling and astronomical observations. Explore how each quadrant of the star compass—divided into distinct "whare" (houses)—was used not only for navigation but also as a spiritual map, linking celestial bodies to atua (gods) and tipua (ancestral beings). Hear legendary tales such as that of Tāne Mahuta, whose journey to the heavens symbolizes the quest for knowledge and wisdom in Māori culture. Learn about pioneering navigators like Hekenukumai Busby, whose construction of voyaging waka reignited ancient practices, and master navigator Jack Thatcher, who translated the star compass into te reo Māori. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or a curious traveler, this immersive tour offers exploration of the cosmos through the lens of Māori heritage.

Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience

Discover the Dark Sky Indoor Cultural Astronomy Experience on this guided tour that includes a 45-minute interactive session at the Dark Sky Project astronomy center in Lake Tekapo, nestled within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. This experience combines traditional Māori knowledge with modern astronomical techniques and storytelling through dynamic multimedia installations and immersive soundscapes across four distinct zones. The custom-built planetarium offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the cosmos, enhanced by a star compass that requires users to identify at least 220 stars for navigation. This unique guided tour weaves ancient Māori astronomical wisdom—Tātai arorangi—with contemporary scientific understanding, providing visitors with an unparalleled glimpse into celestial navigation and cultural heritage. The experience is accessible all year round, making it a must-visit for astronomy enthusiasts and cultural history buffs alike.

Explore the Dark Sky Project Astronomy Center

Your tour stops at the Dark Sky Project astronomy center where you will be immersed in an indoor cultural astronomy experience that combines traditional Māori knowledge with modern scientific techniques. Established in 2019, this facility is designed to provide a lesser light-polluted environment ideal for star-gazing and astronomical studies. The center spans over 5,000 square feet, featuring four distinct zones dedicated to different aspects of astronomy such as celestial navigation, storytelling through the stars, and interactive exhibits that showcase the Māori star compass—kāpehu whetū. Visitors can spend approximately 45 minutes exploring these zones, engaging with multimedia installations and theatrical lighting effects that bring ancient legends and navigational techniques to life. This unique experience is unlike any other as it seamlessly blends indigenous wisdom with cutting-edge technology, offering a deeper understanding of the cosmos and its cultural significance.

Experience Dynamic Multimedia Installations

In the Dark Sky Project astronomy center, guests can explore dynamic multimedia installations that bring Māori astronomical knowledge to life. These immersive exhibits, covering an area of 5,000 square feet, offer a unique blend of storytelling and scientific exploration. Through interactive displays and theatrical lighting, visitors are transported into the world of celestial navigation as practiced by ancient Māori navigators. The installation features a custom-built planetarium that provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the cosmos, enhanced by a star compass requiring users to know the positions of at least 220 stars for accurate navigation. This experience is available all year round and offers an unparalleled glimpse into the cultural significance of astronomy in Māori heritage.

Discover Tātai Arorangi

The Dark Sky Project astronomy center serves as a hub for exploring Tātai Arorangi, the ancient Māori system of celestial navigation. This guided tour weaves together traditional knowledge and modern scientific understanding through dynamic multimedia installations and immersive soundscapes. Visitors can spend approximately 45 minutes engaging with exhibits that showcase the star compass—kāpehu whetū—and its intricate navigational techniques. The center spans over 5,000 square feet and offers a unique blend of storytelling and scientific exploration, making it unlike any other astronomy experience in New Zealand. This tour is available all year round and provides an unparalleled glimpse into the cultural significance of astronomy in Māori heritage.

Tour Highlights

• Discover how traditional Māori knowledge comes together with the cosmos at Dark Sky Project
• 45-minute guided experience exploring celestial navigation techniques and legends
• Audio guide available in English, Te Reo Māori, and Japanese
• Enjoy dynamic multimedia installations across four zones in a dark, lesser light-polluted area
• Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of the cosmos through a custom-built planetarium
• Learn about the star compass—kāpehu whetū—which requires knowledge of at least 220 stars for navigation
• Access to all zones and exhibits, including interactive displays and theatrical lighting effects
• Convenient year-round availability in Lake Tekapo’s Dark Sky Reserve

Perfect for astronomy enthusiasts, cultural history buffs, and families, this guided tour provides an unparalleled glimpse into the intersection of traditional Māori wisdom and modern astronomical techniques. The 45-minute experience allows you to discover celestial navigation at Dark Sky Project, explore dynamic multimedia installations across four zones, and learn about the star compass—kāpehu whetū—which requires knowledge of at least 220 stars for accurate navigation.